“I am debating on whether to even offer my guess,” writes Dave Bicknell. “The photo looks to be of a decorative grate, perhaps with gilt highlights, something to be expected of the Michigan Theater.” But since there are no new tenants there, he continues, “my semi-wild guess is the Ruthven Building,” which has a decorative rotunda and is the new home of the U-M’s central administration.
Not so wild of a guess, Dave! Depicted is a bird from ironwork flanking the building’s entrance, which stands out more since the beloved pumas moved with the Natural History Museum to the new Biological Sciences Building.
Birds and monkeys and geckos, oh my! One finds themself surrounded by them—more noticeably, post-cleaning and renovation—when entering the Ruthven building and rotunda. From darkness (R.I.P. Fleming) to light, the U-M administration and new president Santa J. Ono have set up shop in the recently repurposed Albert Kahn structure, where the historical details have been restored while the interior was revamped and modernized, incorporating an abundance of natural light.
Dave’s was one of just three correct entries in October and is our random drawing winner. He will enjoy his $25 gift certificate at Downtown Home and Garden.
Buy The Fake Ad and I Spy books at AnnArborObserver.com/books
To enter this month’s contests, email backpage@aaobserver.com or write us at our new address: PO Box 1187, AA 48106. All correct entries received by noon, November 10, will be eligible for our random drawings. Winners receive $25 gift cards or certificates to any business advertising in this issue.
